Aesthetic Awareness: A Means to Improve Self Concept in a Multi-Cultural Environment.

Abbott, Wendell; Haynes, Margaret

An experimental program, examining a variety of experiences from an aesthetic point of view, focused on growth in the affective domain. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of a five-week program in value-building activities with emphasis on: 1) increasing aesthetic perceptions of the sensitivity to the environment; 2) improving the self concept; and 3) developing socially acceptable ways of expressing feelings as well as accepting the feelings of others. Thirteen pupils of divergent backgrounds, from the sixth to eleventh grades, participated in a program implemented by two art teachers using four components: field experiences; audio-visual stimuli; group discussions; and self-examination experiences. Data were collected and analyzed comparing changes between pre and post tests. Personal interviews, anecdotal records, audio-tapes, photographs, and the Child's View of Himself Scale used to collect relevant data recorded significant changes in all three areas. Appendices contain copies of the Child's View of Himself Scale and a recording sheet for anecdotal records. (KSM)